Sourav Ganguly Picture Credit: Instagram
BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had travelled to Oman this week to finalize the plans regarding the hosting of upcoming 2021 T20 World Cup matches. With India not in a situation to organize the tournament amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the board have notably decided to host the mega event in UAE and Oman, with the latter expected to host the qualifying round.
However, the trip to Oman has ended and Ganguly has now reached Dubai to discuss with Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) about the preparations of second half of IPL 2021. The 49-year-old posted a selfie of himself on Saturday with a caption, "On my way to Dubai." It is believed that the BCCI president has now landed in the country where they have set up a temporary office to begin work around the second phase of the season.
IPL dates have not yet been officially released
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla had notably confirmed the dates of IPL 2021 resumption few days back when it was revealed that the remainder of the season will take place from September 19 to October 15. However, a franchise official told InsideSport that BCCI have not yet sent any official confirmation to the teams about the dates.
The source also added that the current situation has posed a lot of challenges for the franchises. With so much uncertainty and a possible clash of dates with Dubai Expo, the franchises are worried about the expensive rates of hotels which has certainly increased a lot of logistical costs for the teams. There is a likely possibility that the governing body might have been waiting for their talks with ECB and Ganguly's trip to Dubai might be followed with a proper plan of action laid out for everyone in the coming days.
Franchise officials could travel to UAE next month
With the flight ban to UAE from India extended till July 31, the franchise officials cannot travel to the middle-east this month to make any arrangements. Hence, it is expected that the management team of all the franchises could visit the country next month when the travel ban is lifted. By that time, there is a possibility that BCCI will also officially communicate the final plan for resumption of IPL 2021, giving all the teams enough time to make the necessary arrangements for the remainder of the season.